Multi-Layer File Import State Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image editing applications lack a convenient method for users to selectively import or export files with multiple layers, often resulting in either all layers being editable but appearing different or maintaining appearance but being non-editable, leading to compromised file appearances due to incomplete feature mapping and lack of flexibility.
Innovation Solution
The Smart Interactive Import and Smart Export methodologies allow users to view and swap between maintain appearance and editable states for each layer, enabling flexible import and export options, including the ability to specify a similarity percentage for layer states, and store both states separately with a computerized device for processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If all layers are imported in editable mode, then editability is maintained, but appearance accuracy deteriorates due to feature mapping differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the layer import into two separate operations: one for maintaining appearance accuracy and another for ensuring editability. Users can selectively import specific layers in maintain appearance mode while importing other layers in editable mode, allowing segmentation of the import process to achieve both accuracy and editability where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Different layers can be imported with different quality settings. The patent allows users to specify which layers should be imported in maintain appearance mode (for critical appearance layers) and which should be imported in editable mode (for layers requiring flexibility), applying local quality settings to different parts of the document.
2Manufacturing precision
If all layers are imported in maintain appearance mode, then appearance accuracy is preserved, but editability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The import process is segmented into appearance-mode and editability-mode operations. Users can import layers in maintain appearance mode to preserve accuracy, then selectively convert specific layers to editable mode after import, rather than having to import all layers in editable mode from the beginning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic state conversion where layers can transition between maintain appearance state and editable state. Users can start with layers in maintain appearance mode for accuracy, then dynamically convert specific layers to editable mode when editing is needed, without re-importing the entire document.
3Adaptability or versatility
If users manually copy-paste layers from multiple import modes, then selective editability is achieved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by automatically creating and organizing layers in their appropriate states during the import process. Instead of requiring users to manually copy-paste layers after import, the system pre-organizes layers with correct states before the user needs to work with them, saving time on manual reorganization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service functionality where the import process automatically handles layer state assignment and organization based on user selections. Users can mark which layers should be in maintain appearance mode and which in editable mode, and the system automatically processes this without requiring manual copy-paste operations.
4Device complexity
If the entire file is imported as flattened bitmap, then simplicity is achieved, but layer functionality is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the import process to maintain layer functionality while simplifying specific layers. Instead of flattening the entire file, users can select which layers to import as flattened bitmaps (for simplicity) and which layers to import maintaining their functional properties (for versatility), allowing selective application of simplification.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus and computer program product for importing, exporting and determining an initial state for files having multiple layers is presented. A file having a plurality of layers is imported, the file in a first format and wherein each layer of the plurality of layers includes a first state of the layer and a second state of the layer. One of the first state of the layer and the second state of the layer are displayed for each of the plurality of layers. A swapping is permitted between the first state of the layer and the second state of the layer. One of the first state of the layer and the second state of the layer are then committed. The file may be exported in a format different than the first format.